| Dinner party entertaining is a great way to catch up | | | | the more convenient choice for a cocktail party or light |
| with good friends, welcome new neighbors, celebrate | | | | meal. If your guest list is comprised of working |
| holidays, or honor achievements. However, for many, | | | | professionals you will not want to have dinner on the |
| the idea of preparing the home and planning an | | | | table at five o'clock; but, it is not wise to plan a late |
| impressive meal for a large group of people can be | | | | evening meal if your guest of honor is your five year |
| somewhat intimidating. Well, there is no need to be | | | | old son. It is a good idea to give guests plenty of notice |
| overwhelmed - with a little organization and careful | | | | so they can free up their schedules and make child |
| planning, it is quite simple to create a perfect dinner | | | | care arrangements. While there are some occasions, |
| party, even if you are new to hosting. | | | | such as birthdays or anniversaries, when a formal |
| When choosing a date and time, it is important to | | | | invitation is required, it is usually appropriate to invite |
| consider the reason for the party, the atmosphere you | | | | guests to a dinner party by phone or email, allowing for |
| are hoping to create, and what will work best for your | | | | a more immediate response and making it easier for |
| guests. A weekend afternoon may be best for a | | | | you to begin your menu preparations. |
| cookout or barbeque while a Friday evening may be | | | | |